The Lesson
On Thursday the golf gods smiled. Chips rolled close. Putts dropped in. I shot a low score for an old man. On Sunday, the gods were attending other business. Ancient swing thoughts sprang forth. Balls went hither and yon or nowhere at all. We took shelter from lightning. The round progressed to its inglorious end. My humility was strengthened. I will try again.
They say golf is a good walk spoiled, but I think of it only as a good walk. There are ups, and there are downs. It’s a lot like life. One thing holds promise, another destroys it. Feelings of accomplishment are balanced by moments of despair. You learn the mind plays tricks. Makes you self-confident when confidence is unwarranted. Proves it to you in front of friends and strangers. Flushes you with endorphins at odd moments.
If I’ve learned anything playing the game, it’s how to hold my emotions in check, manage expectations. I remember lessons I’ve learned. One friend told me I wasn’t good enough to get angry. Another suggested, when I talked about the need for new clubs, that my clubs might not be the problem. I’ve learned that what’s done is done. I’ve learned the importance of being in the moment. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to self-assess and learn from my mistakes. And for a guy who makes his share of mistakes, that’s a fairly valuable lesson.